Dr. Ronald H. Schmidt Professor Emeritus

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University of Florida University of Minnesota

Ronald Schmidt Obituary

Professor Emeritus Dr. Ronald H. Schmidt
Gainesville - Dr. Ronald H. Schmidt, Professor Emeritus, of Gainesville passed away unexpectedly at home on October 12, 2020. He was 77.
Known for his dry wit, he always had a joke or 10 ready to swap.
Music was a love and passion for Ron. He performed around town on his accordion and guitar with his band, Moderate Speed.
Ron was an internationally known expert on food safety and sanitary design. He traveled the world to speak, train, and consult. He published dozens of scientific papers and authored or contributed to 25 books.
But he wasn't just an academic. He was good with his hands and was most content when working on a project to fix or build something.
Ron was usually easy going and soft-spoken. He loved growing roses, dancing, crossword puzzles, and sports on TV.
Growing up on a dairy farm in rural Meeker County, Minnesota, he learned the value of hard work and had fun with 4-H and FFA.
His advanced degrees were earned at the University of Minnesota after which he ranked as an officer with the US Public Health Service.
His teaching career with the University of Florida Food Science and Human Nutrition Department spanned almost 40 years. Students, many of whom stayed in touch with him, considered him a mentor and friend, in addition to a professor. He stayed active in retirement, judging cheese and ice cream competitions and serving on the boards of several national organizations.
He loved ice cream.
He is survived by his wife and co-traveler Gail, sons Gabe and Bjorn (Yadong), stepdaughters Sara (Rick) and Megan, grandchildren, Gabe Jr., Mary Peyton, Andrew, George, Walt, Sadie, and Bryn, sisters Shirley Olson and Marilyn Hugh, brother Larry Schmidt (Patricia) and brother-in-law, Loren Hirman, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Franklin and Margaret Schmidt, brother Allan, and sister Barbara.
Join in the virtual service on Saturday, November 7 at 4:00 pm EST. To "attend" the service, go to gatheringus.com and search Ron's name. There will be plenty of time at the end of the service for you to say a few words about Ron.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gainesville Sun from Oct. 24 to Oct. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Schmidt

Sponsored by Gainesville.com.

7 Entries

Dr. Hordur G. Kristinsson

November 8, 2020

I remember Ron well as a young assistant professor at the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition where we were colleagues for eight years. I was just starting my career and Ron was in the sunset of his. Ron was the nicest and most supportive of my colleagues back then, and always had a good joke up his sleeve fitting for a Scandinavian like myself. I remember Ron as a warm and caring coworker, something sorely needed by someone just starting out in his career and navigating the complexities of academia. I think about Ron often and I am blessed that he was part of my life.

Paul Winniczuk

Planted Trees

Scot Smith

October 28, 2020

Rn always had a good thoughtful joke and made you feel good. We spent many happy hours at the Market Street Pub. He was a joy to have as a friend. We’ll all miss him.

gina insler

October 26, 2020

One of my favorite professors...I was one of his post bachelorette students who decided to take a job in industry after working as a Chemist for Dr. RP Bates. He will be sorely missed by all

Rob Bent

October 26, 2020

I was a student of Dr. Schmidt's in the early 2000's. He was just a wonderful person who always took the time to make sure that I truly internalized what he was teaching and always had a joke to lighten the room. We traveled together as part of the Food Science and Human Nutrition "College Bowl" team for a few years, which I enjoyed immensely. We drove together to Kentucky, where I saw my first ever horse race with him, and to New Orleans, where we had all sorts of wonderful experiences, from sampling a low country boil to touring the Garden District. Dr. Schmidt was a friend who made a lasting impact on my life and I will forever cherish the memories we made together. Until we meet again.

Sandy Koenig

October 25, 2020

Ron will surely be missed by all. My condolences to his family and loved ones. I met Ron when I first moved to Gainesville almost 20 years ago at an ABC wine tasting we became good friends. I will miss him and my heart goes out to his sons and wife. Ron was a super kind human. We need more people like Ron in this world.

Carol Ann Campbell

October 25, 2020

I was so sad to read about the passing of Ron. I met Ron many years ago when I use to arrange his travel and we became fast friends. Ron always had a joke, and would use a accent to tell his tale. I will never forget the one day he just showed up at the travel agency with food he had prepared for lunch, or the times the Professors from Food Science would jog from campus to the agency. Rest easy my friend.

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